On the Launching Pad

Sitting in Heasldsburg, getting ready to leave for San Francisco and Orientation. There is a Safety Video to watch (can't ride without getting signed off on that!) and then I drop my bike off to return to the Cow Palace Sunday morning at 5:30 AM for the Opening Ceremony at 6:00 and then Ride Out.

Last month was dominated by concerns far away from cycling. My first Century (100 miles) on May 5th was almost a pleasure. I rode with a friend from training, Alkarim Jina, and we just cruised through, averaging about 15 mph for the ride. It was just another long ride, but a little longer. I felt fine afterward and had no residual aches or pains! I was amazed at what a focused and disciplined training program can do!

The following week was very stressful, as we negotiated to buy the house next door to where we live (yielding an unshared driveway, second bathroom, and closer workspaces). Reaching a successful agreement with our neighbor meant we had to turn around and sell our studio/office property - another house in Healdsburg. (Very cute farmhouse, built in 1856!) I put it on Craig's list May 6, and we accepted an offer on May 10. We closed yesterday and the buyers are moving in as I write. For those of you who know Linda and I and our thing-ness - we emptied the house last Thursday. (But I have the right to empty the garage over the next 60 days - two letterpresses, a cutter, and much miscellaneous collage and assemblage materials.)

All of that negotiating and real estate activity was further complicated by my spraining my ankle on Monday, May 14 as I was moving the first load of boxes out of the studio. Five days off the bike, lots of ice and elevation, etc. I rode again on Saturday the 19th. Ankle fine on bike, sore on foot! But I definitely slowed down for the last two weeks.

So not a stellar month for mileage, but I am feeling strong, lean, and ready. I am writing this 2 hours after our planned departure from Healdsburg, but I know some of you have been checking this occassionally and I wanted you to know I am fine, well prepared and very excited.

I don't think I will be posting while gone, unless I meet a laptop I can wrangle. However, there is a supported site which will have updates, pictures, and will take messages of support from interested parties. Feel free to send me your energy, all forms of calories accepted! (Green too...! )

Here is the summary of my training for the last month:

Weekly Goals for May......... Results Week of (5/7)
125-175 mi ............................... 114
14-16 hrs .................................. 7
55-75 longest ............................ 48

Weekly Goals for May......... Results Week of (5/14)
125-175 mi ............................... 130
14-16 hrs .................................. 9
55-75 longest ............................ 70

Weekly Goals for May......... Results Week of (5/21)
125-175 mi ............................... 80
14-16 hrs .................................. 7
55-75 longest ............................ 65

And imminently, 7 in a row for 545 miles.